Nicky Southall says it’s imperative his Whitstable Town side do not suffer a second straight home defeat when they host Chipstead on Saturday.

Despite creating enough chances to win Tuesday’s clash with Crawley Down at The Belmont, the Oystermen were caught by a second-half sucker-punch to lose 1-0.

They have only a point to show for their first two games in Ryman League, Division 1 South, after having to come from behind to draw 3-3 at newly-promoted Redhill on Saturday.

Southall admitted: “Life is frustrating at the moment for me and the players. Obviously, you want to get off to a fast start to the season and we should probably be sitting here with six points.

“It’s a bit disappointing but there are a lot of positives to take from the way we have played and the fact we have created so much.”

Town follow Saturday’s match against Chipstead with a trip to Hythe on Tuesday (7.45pm).
Southall admitted: “It’s important to get something on the board on Saturday to get us on track."

Southall’s calf injury will be assessed ahead of the Chipstead game while defender John Guest nears a return, although midfielder Pete Huggens remains away on holiday.